★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Since Canadian sister duo Tegan and Sara officially came onto the music scene in 1999, their eclectic collection of work could easily be classified as rock and folk with an indie essence. After achieving their first Billboard-charting album in 2007 with fifth effort The Con, the sisters then teamed up with DJ Tiesto for "Feel It In My Bones", a dance-charged effort that could have inspired the duo's next unexpected foray into uncharted territory.
With the 2013 release of Heartthrob, the sisters' seventh studio album, the duo collaborated with producer Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson, Sia, Adele) to create personal tracks of affection and loss, all with a captivating, modern pop influence. The album garnered rave reviews, peaked within the Top 3 on the Billboard 200 and featured their very first charting single. That kind of success may have paved the road for their latest offering, the still pop, but with an adult twist Love You to Death.
Preceded by lead, 80s-synth inspired single "Boyfriend", three additional promotional tracks and a few adorable music videos, the duo's eighth album fearlessly floats in the pop genre, Kurstin assists as producer once again, but dives deeper into the personal lives of both Tegan and Sara. Now unafraid to point out who their heartbreaking ballads are actually intended for and influenced by, the music highlights emotional struggles, personal growth and has an effortless ability to connect with their loyal fanbase. It may not be as contagiously catchy as their previous offering, however, it's definitely more revealing and intimate.
Opening up with mid-tempo "That Girl", a shimmering, well-crafted admission to causing pain and pushing one away, Tegan and Sara no longer recognize the women they see in the mirror. Owning up to mistakes, taking accountability for the downfall of a relationship, the story the sisters are able to tell with their effective songwriting tragically fits perfectly with their "reality is heartbreaking" statement about the album's true meaning.
"Faint of Heart" starts off even slower than its predecessor, encompassing an 80s ballad vibe, only to explode with an endearing hook about remaining cautious before jumping too quickly into a relationship. However, even with all the negative advice, the girls dive in head first anyway. "Anyone could say that, it's chemical and it won't last, anyone could make, us seem reckless, tell us we will crash," they sing before the chorus of acknowledging a potentially difficult road comes around.
Alluring synths, a hard-hitting hook and solid vocals create a bridge between the duo's last album and current lead single "Boyfriend", a song where the sisters open up about the speedbumps that come with falling in love with another woman for the first time. The complex situation causes an unnecessary love triangle filled with damaging secrets and awkwardness. However, while hurt and uncertainly are heard in the vocal performances, so is a sense of strength and understanding.
Sounding like a possible Heartthrob leftover, yet still essential when paired with this track list, Tegan and Sara demand an explanation from an ex on the slightly bitter "Dying To Know". Though both parties have moved on, the sisters can't completely erase the memory of a former relationship from their minds. "You hurt me bad, I wanna understand, hit me back cause you owe me that, I'm dying to know, is the one you ended up with everything you wanted?," they somberly ask.
Love is hard to stop once it really gets rolling. Sparks start to fly for Tegan and Sara on "Stop Desire", a passionate, optimistic highlight of the album. After expressing some frustration with playing hard to get on the intro, the heat is turned up as the track progresses, heading for a frenzied night of seduction and pleasure. With its foot in the electro-pop genre, hypnotizing synths create a dance-worthy environment that today's biggest pop star would kill to have.
No act has gone without facing some struggles, no sibling relationship is perfect and pristine either according to "White Knuckles", an intimate and personal retelling of the duo's own past problems with each other. While the sisters express some of the joy that comes with being a twin, they also shine the spotlight on the fear of always being dependent on one another. The mixed emotions on the verses act as an effective contrast to the pop production of the chorus.
Tegan and Sara bare their heart and apologize on "100x", a tender, heart-wrenching ballad where they reflect on a certain decision that now causes pain and regret. The piano-led effort highlights the duo's emotive vocals and instrumental precision as the story of a relationship's final days are played out. "It was cruel of me to do what I did to you, it was wrong of me to hurt such a big part of you," they finally bring themselves to admit on the touching affair.
"BWU" brings to mind the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. Tegan and Sara sing to their significant others that no wedding ring is needed as proof of their undeniable love. While there is a slight sense of melancholy buried within the overall message of the song, as well as in the descriptive songwriting, the sparkling and lively, synth-supported production acts as a sweet counterbalance. It's another effort that works on both an individual and universal level.
Never do the 80s-pop influences that compose the album sound as strong and chart-deserving as they do on "U-Turn", a track that ventures effortlessly through so many feelings and growing experiences for the sisters. After admitting to their own relationship flaws, the duo go on to make up for it all by getting all sweet and sappy on the potential love song. "Give me a second, let me u-turn, write you the love song you've earned," they sing beautifully on the hook.
The album closes out with "Hang on to the Night", a reflecting, motivating piece of mid-tempo pop that seems to perfectly sum up the rollercoaster of emotions presented throughout the preceding tracks. The production is scaled back, the lush vocals take to the forefront, as the sisters throw out bits of advice about life hardships and joys. While it may not be the most memorable cut on the new album, it does put the whole process into perspective for a clean wrap up.
Love You to Death could have easily been disregarded as a Heartthrob sequel. While Tegan and Sara have maintained, even upped, the infectious pop production that carried their last project to exciting, new heights, their eighth studio album does so much more thanks to their willingness to share personal experiences with narrative songwriting. As some publications have labeled it, it's pop music for grown ups. Within their 16+ years on the music scene, the sisters have done plenty of growing up. They no longer hide behind ambiguous pronouns, proudly shouting their love and hate for another while supported by captivating synths and drums. Clocking in at just over half an hour, the album is a concise, sharp and glossy portrayal of times when reality could become too overwhelming and heartbreaking. It's an extension of what was previously done, and a bright sign of what could be done in the context of a full-fledged dance follow up.
Tracks to Hear: "Dying To Know", "Stop Desire", "100x" and "U-Turn"
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